South Africa
At the bottom of its great continent, South Africa is a country of unlimited natural advantages. With the confluence of two oceans at the Cape, the sheltering effect of inland mountain chains and some of the most dynamic soils in the world, every piece is in place for the production of fine wine. The most well-known region has historically been Stellenbosch, but it is the wines of Swartland that have really turned South African wine on its head in recent years.
The wine industry is in the midst of a renaissance with classically styled wines making full advantage of remarkable terroir and an adventurous spirit. As a result, South Africa is producing some truly exceptional wines of great character and value. Striking blockbuster Syrahs and Bordeaux blends to full bodied Chardonnay and crisp Sauvignon Blanc are some of this great nation’s offerings. South Africa’s own grape, Pinotage, leaves critics divided yet can produce excellent single-variety offerings as well as distinguished Cape blends.
South Africa
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Coastal Region | 8 | 93 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$506.68 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (93)A skilfully blended and packaged wine that manages to shift large volumes at an extremely profitable price, The Chocolate Block is a clever assemblage of mostly Syrah from the Goldmine and Porseleinberg vineyards with 9% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier. Fleshy, perfumed and smooth, it has sweet goji berry and summer pudding fruit, velvety tannins, scented cinnamon oak and a fresh, lifted finish. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 4 | 93 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$322.01 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (93)A skilfully blended and packaged wine that manages to shift large volumes at an extremely profitable price, The Chocolate Block is a clever assemblage of mostly Syrah from the Goldmine and Porseleinberg vineyards with 9% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier. Fleshy, perfumed and smooth, it has sweet goji berry and summer pudding fruit, velvety tannins, scented cinnamon oak and a fresh, lifted finish. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. GST
SG$189.05 |
|||||
Vinous (93)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek, matured for 22 months in 80% new French barriques, has a fresh, marine-influenced bouquet that I feel has a little more complexity than the Stellenbosch. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, lightly spiced with black pepper and bay leaf, and very focused, leading to a bright and quite structured finish. This has more class and nuance than its Stellenbosch counterpart. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. GST
SG$551.14 |
|||||
Vinous (93)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek, matured for 22 months in 80% new French barriques, has a fresh, marine-influenced bouquet that I feel has a little more complexity than the Stellenbosch. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, lightly spiced with black pepper and bay leaf, and very focused, leading to a bright and quite structured finish. This has more class and nuance than its Stellenbosch counterpart. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 3 | 19+ (MJ) |
Inc. GST
SG$818.42 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (19+)The nose on this outstanding wine reminds me of an elite Cabernet from another part of the world – Frankland River in Western Australia. There is more than a hint of ‘Houghton Jack Mann’ on the perfume and palate of this wine’s sensational 25th-anniversary release. Underpinning the profoundly deep black fruit notes is a sense of earthiness and energy that allows the blackberry and blackcurrant flavours to soar. With 70% new French oak on board, which has been folded away perfectly into the heart of this mighty wine, there is an extra dimension of flavour here thanks to the addition of a soupcon of Cabernet Franc. Only a handful of South African wines manage to capture this noble grape’s true essence while maintaining a compelling sense of stylishness. 2020 CSF does this in spades and it will continue to do so for two decades. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 19+ (MJ) |
Inc. GST
SG$400.49 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (19+)The nose on this outstanding wine reminds me of an elite Cabernet from another part of the world – Frankland River in Western Australia. There is more than a hint of ‘Houghton Jack Mann’ on the perfume and palate of this wine’s sensational 25th-anniversary release. Underpinning the profoundly deep black fruit notes is a sense of earthiness and energy that allows the blackberry and blackcurrant flavours to soar. With 70% new French oak on board, which has been folded away perfectly into the heart of this mighty wine, there is an extra dimension of flavour here thanks to the addition of a soupcon of Cabernet Franc. Only a handful of South African wines manage to capture this noble grape’s true essence while maintaining a compelling sense of stylishness. 2020 CSF does this in spades and it will continue to do so for two decades. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 18 | 96 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$413.57 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)Boekenhoutskloof's Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon is picked two weeks later than its Stellenbosch stable mate and is a fresher, more refined wine. Benefitting from the inclusion of 12% Cabernet Franc from the vines around the winery, it has aromas of graphite, violet and eucalyptus, palate-caressing, granular tannins and red berry and blackcurrant leaf flavours. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 2 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. GST
SG$498.57 |
|||||
Vinous (94)The 2009 Semillon is feisty on the nose, with touches of lanolin and white pepper. Hints of beeswax surface with time. The palate has a beautiful texture and fine depth, waxy and very phenolic with a persistent finish. This is almost in the same class as the splendid 2006 and still has plenty in the tank. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 91 (VN) |
Inc. GST
SG$189.55 |
|||||
Vinous (91)The 2017 Sémillon, which has a 3% splash of Muscat of Alexandria, is made with an oxidative winemaking approach. It has a neutral nose, one where I would have liked more Sémillon character to poke through even at this early stage. The palate shows much more potential, presenting lovely lemon curd, toffee apple and white chocolate notes. The acidity is nicely judged, although that toffee note makes me wonder exactly how this will age. A second bottle showed less conspicuous toffee-ish notes and was much more in line with how I expect the wine to show. My score is based on this bottle. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 99 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$447.42 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (99)Boekenhoutskloof has always made impressive, age-worthy Semillons, but Gottfried Mocke has taken the 2020 to another level of complexity. Using grapes from three old parcels, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, with the largest component from the legendary La Colline vineyard, this includes 2% Muscat d'Alexandrie and some field blended Semillon Gris. Fermented in two thirds new wood, with the rest seeing concrete eggs and amphoras, it's one of the greatest ever Cape whites. Stony, flinty and layered, with wax, lemongrass and nutmeg flavours and subtle struck match reduction. Wow! |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$409.25 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)Boekenhoutskloof's world-class Semillon uses grapes from three distinct blocks in Franschhoek, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, combining these with 3% Muscat d'Alexandrie. Showing more acidity and restraint than the stunning 2020, and less of the struck match character, it has notes of lemongrass, custard and beeswax and a core of chiselled acidity. Needs more time. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 18.5+ (MJ) |
Inc. GST
SG$448.45 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (18.5+)Plush and packed with cassis, this is a tremendously flashy wine with deep wells of liqueur-like fruit coupled with strident oak and a lovely bright, dry finish. Yearning to be set free, BCSS is like a prize-fighter itching for the bell so it can launch itself at its opponent. This is an amazing Cabernet and while it has the stuffing to go deep into the later rounds, I love its toned flanks and glistening musculature right now. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 2 | 97 (PG) |
Inc. GST
SG$483.33 |
|||||
Platter's South African Wine Guide (97)(Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year) Power & precision combine in stellar 2019. Ripe black cherry fruit with lifted perfume notes (dab of cab franc, as Franschhoek sibling), fine integrated tannins & fresh, lithe appeal. 75% new French oak adds to muscular richness completing a very fine wine. 5 parcels in Helderberg, Polkadraai & Faure. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 3 | 18.5 (MJ) |
Inc. GST
SG$818.42 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (18.5)Overall a little larger and more imposing than the Franschhoek cuvée, this Helderberg-sourced Cabernet is a glossy, succulent, more expressive wine than its stablemate, and it is also more forward and approachable. Built with unerring precision, the amazing brightness of fruit and 60% new oak embellishment have resulted in a Super-Tuscan-shaped wine with obvious allure and a more approachable temperament. Having said this, it has more than enough stuffing to last a decade with ease and in terms of value for money this is a small price to pay for a wine of this integrity. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 18.5 (MJ) |
Inc. GST
SG$428.83 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (18.5)Overall a little larger and more imposing than the Franschhoek cuvée, this Helderberg-sourced Cabernet is a glossy, succulent, more expressive wine than its stablemate, and it is also more forward and approachable. Built with unerring precision, the amazing brightness of fruit and 60% new oak embellishment have resulted in a Super-Tuscan-shaped wine with obvious allure and a more approachable temperament. Having said this, it has more than enough stuffing to last a decade with ease and in terms of value for money this is a small price to pay for a wine of this integrity. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 18 | 95 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$413.57 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (95)Gottfried Mocke sources this Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon from two growers - one on the Helderberg, the other in Stellenbosch Kloof - to produce what is always the denser than its companion Franschhoek bottling. Inky and grippy, with top notes of menthol, mocha and dried herbs, lots of energy and vibrancy and a core of plum, blueberry and cassis. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. GST
SG$177.56 |
|||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 91 (VN) |
Inc. GST
SG$659.23 |
|||||
Vinous (91)(14.8% alcohol; 20% from Swartland and the rest from Wellington; fermented with wild yeasts and aged for 26 months in old barriques; entirely destemmed): Bright ruby-red. Deep aromas of blueberry, violet, chocolate, licorice pastille and black pepper. A pure, vinous midweight, with a very smooth texture and a sweet oak component that contributes to its appeal. Finishes with serious building, tongue-coating tannins. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 19+ (MJ) |
Inc. GST
SG$356.91 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (19+)I have never forgotten the 2000 vintage of this wine, which I wrote up in one of my books many moons ago. In the blink of an eye, the perfume on this 2018 vintage took me back to that great wine and while this label has been known to wander off into the forest in certain vintages, it is back with a brooding bang and loaded with Hermitage-like malevolence in 2018. With a melange of both red and black fruit tones and considerable aromatic lift on the nose, this is a Syrah with its feet firmly planted in the earth while its head is in the clouds such is the scale and majesty of its posture. Like the other reds in this vintage, the oak integration is near perfect and this allows the fruit to sing. If there is one wine to drink before the other reds, then this is it, and while it might be a criminal offence to drink this wine so young, I am sure you will break the law for a flavour as enthralling and all-encompassing as this one. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$375.44 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (97)The wine that launched the modern Syrah revolution in South Africa, even if it's sourced from two sites in the Swartland these days, rather than Somerset West. Almost indecently perfumed and alluring, this is a very immediate wine that will also reward cellaring. Sweet spices, red berry fruit, fine, savoury tannins and just a hint of oak with energetic acidity. 2023-31 |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 3 | 19+ (MJ) |
Inc. GST
SG$814.10 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (19+)With 90% of the fruit coming from Porseleinberg and 10% from Goldmine, both in Swartland, this is a wondrous wine with more detail and finesse than any preceding vintage. Utilising only large foudre, the spice and fruit aromatics are as pure and evocative as I have encountered in a Cape Syrah. While the flavour palette is more deep purple than black-fruited, there is no obvious oak intervention and this allows the fruit to soar. Sanguineous and sappy on the finish, this is a glorious red wine with elemental animal notes interwoven with silky ribbons of beautifully ripe blackcurrant, mulberry and plum flavours. With the same texture and volume of fruit as a Vosne-Romanée, this is a regal creation that distances itself from the meat and muscle often found in sun-loving Syrahs! |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 19+ (MJ) |
Inc. GST
SG$372.17 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (19+)With 90% of the fruit coming from Porseleinberg and 10% from Goldmine, both in Swartland, this is a wondrous wine with more detail and finesse than any preceding vintage. Utilising only large foudre, the spice and fruit aromatics are as pure and evocative as I have encountered in a Cape Syrah. While the flavour palette is more deep purple than black-fruited, there is no obvious oak intervention and this allows the fruit to soar. Sanguineous and sappy on the finish, this is a glorious red wine with elemental animal notes interwoven with silky ribbons of beautifully ripe blackcurrant, mulberry and plum flavours. With the same texture and volume of fruit as a Vosne-Romanée, this is a regal creation that distances itself from the meat and muscle often found in sun-loving Syrahs! |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 6 | 97 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$409.25 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (97)Given that 90% of its raw material comes from Porseleinberg - the other 10% comes from Boekenhoutskloof's Roundstone property - it's no surprise that this is such an impressive Syrah. Fermented with 65% whole bunches, it combines fynbos, lavender and Asian spice aromas with a palate of white pepper, barbecued meat, oregano and blackberry framed by sappy, granular tannins. World class. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$737.32 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (98)I’m making this for Syrah fanatics”, says Reenen Borman. Lucky them is all I can say, because this is another stunning release from a brilliant young winemaker. Intense, granitic and spicy, with lovely lavender and garrigue aromas, layers of dark, inky fruit, stylish oak and amazing length. What more do you want from a Syrah? 2020-30 |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. GST
SG$787.42 |
|||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. GST
SG$137.23 |
|||||
Vinous (94)The 2018 Epilogue Syrah, which is 30% whole bunch fermented and matured for 13 months in 20% new 400-litre oak barrels, has an outstanding, very well defined bouquet with pure black cherries, boysenberry, iodine and violet aromas that are very expressive. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a little gamey in style, touches of fennel and white pepper, leading to a caressing, velvety finish very classy. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. GST
SG$687.18 |
|||||
The benchmark cuvée from the exceptionally talented Reenen Borman, at the helm of this mythical estate since 2010 - this wine is spoken about in hushed tones amongst experts, critics.
More Info
50% whole-bunch fermentation has given the wine monolithic structure, without a single brick out of place. 25% of the wine was raised in 400 litre oak barrels, imparting gentle seasoning and further fine tannins, whilst the remaining 75% was raised in concrete eggs, preserving the fruit's sensational freshness and impossible purity. Naturally, this wine is infantile due to its quality and structure, but already it displays a mesmeric mélange of violets, dried flowers, herbs and spices on the nose. Positively quivering with energy at this stage, the wine’s acidity shoots like Artemis’ arrow across the palate, losing no momentum through the endless finish. It is hard to overstate the juddering quality of Epilogue – Tim Atkin MW said of the 2017 that it was “now established as one of the Cape’s great Syrahs”... It is now one of the world’s greatest wines. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. GST
SG$189.55 |
|||||
|
Cape South Coast | 4 | 97 (IWSC) |
Inc. GST
SG$396.17 |
|||||
IWSC (97)Very classy wine with nicely judged oak that adds vanilla spice to the tropical fruit and toffee apple flavours. Perfectly poised with crisp acidity and an elegant, long finish. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 5 | - |
Inc. GST
SG$759.51 |
|||||
Characterised by undying refinement and complexity, the Cape Winemakers Guild De Trafford Reserve Chenin Blanc 2018 is a sterling exhibit of South African artistry. Landed from the sun-drenched vineyards of Stellenbosch, this wine is a creation of acclaimed winemaker David De Trafford. Reserved for the best harvests, the grapes undergo careful selection, ageing on lees for eleven months, imparting this wine with an optimised body and structure. Each sip unveils a symphony of ripe peach, delicate pineapple, piquant ginger and nuanced nutty undertones, making this full-bodied wine an ambassador of elegance. The Cape Winemakers Guild De Trafford Reserve Chenin Blanc 2018 is an exemplary blend of terroir-driven minerality and vivacious acidity, garnering well-deserved recognition globally. A must-have for collectors and connoisseurs alike, this Chenin Blanc is an embodiment of South Africa's passionate winemaking tradition. Don't miss the chance to savour this rare geolocation's quintessential expression. |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Coastal Region | 8 | 93 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$350.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (93)A skilfully blended and packaged wine that manages to shift large volumes at an extremely profitable price, The Chocolate Block is a clever assemblage of mostly Syrah from the Goldmine and Porseleinberg vineyards with 9% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier. Fleshy, perfumed and smooth, it has sweet goji berry and summer pudding fruit, velvety tannins, scented cinnamon oak and a fresh, lifted finish. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 4 | 93 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$238.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (93)A skilfully blended and packaged wine that manages to shift large volumes at an extremely profitable price, The Chocolate Block is a clever assemblage of mostly Syrah from the Goldmine and Porseleinberg vineyards with 9% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier. Fleshy, perfumed and smooth, it has sweet goji berry and summer pudding fruit, velvety tannins, scented cinnamon oak and a fresh, lifted finish. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
SG$164.00 |
|||||
Vinous (93)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek, matured for 22 months in 80% new French barriques, has a fresh, marine-influenced bouquet that I feel has a little more complexity than the Stellenbosch. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, lightly spiced with black pepper and bay leaf, and very focused, leading to a bright and quite structured finish. This has more class and nuance than its Stellenbosch counterpart. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
SG$449.00 |
|||||
Vinous (93)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek, matured for 22 months in 80% new French barriques, has a fresh, marine-influenced bouquet that I feel has a little more complexity than the Stellenbosch. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, lightly spiced with black pepper and bay leaf, and very focused, leading to a bright and quite structured finish. This has more class and nuance than its Stellenbosch counterpart. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 3 | 19+ (MJ) |
In Bond
SG$636.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (19+)The nose on this outstanding wine reminds me of an elite Cabernet from another part of the world – Frankland River in Western Australia. There is more than a hint of ‘Houghton Jack Mann’ on the perfume and palate of this wine’s sensational 25th-anniversary release. Underpinning the profoundly deep black fruit notes is a sense of earthiness and energy that allows the blackberry and blackcurrant flavours to soar. With 70% new French oak on board, which has been folded away perfectly into the heart of this mighty wine, there is an extra dimension of flavour here thanks to the addition of a soupcon of Cabernet Franc. Only a handful of South African wines manage to capture this noble grape’s true essence while maintaining a compelling sense of stylishness. 2020 CSF does this in spades and it will continue to do so for two decades. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 19+ (MJ) |
In Bond
SG$310.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (19+)The nose on this outstanding wine reminds me of an elite Cabernet from another part of the world – Frankland River in Western Australia. There is more than a hint of ‘Houghton Jack Mann’ on the perfume and palate of this wine’s sensational 25th-anniversary release. Underpinning the profoundly deep black fruit notes is a sense of earthiness and energy that allows the blackberry and blackcurrant flavours to soar. With 70% new French oak on board, which has been folded away perfectly into the heart of this mighty wine, there is an extra dimension of flavour here thanks to the addition of a soupcon of Cabernet Franc. Only a handful of South African wines manage to capture this noble grape’s true essence while maintaining a compelling sense of stylishness. 2020 CSF does this in spades and it will continue to do so for two decades. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 18 | 96 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$322.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)Boekenhoutskloof's Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon is picked two weeks later than its Stellenbosch stable mate and is a fresher, more refined wine. Benefitting from the inclusion of 12% Cabernet Franc from the vines around the winery, it has aromas of graphite, violet and eucalyptus, palate-caressing, granular tannins and red berry and blackcurrant leaf flavours. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 2 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
SG$398.00 |
|||||
Vinous (94)The 2009 Semillon is feisty on the nose, with touches of lanolin and white pepper. Hints of beeswax surface with time. The palate has a beautiful texture and fine depth, waxy and very phenolic with a persistent finish. This is almost in the same class as the splendid 2006 and still has plenty in the tank. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 91 (VN) |
In Bond
SG$164.00 |
|||||
Vinous (91)The 2017 Sémillon, which has a 3% splash of Muscat of Alexandria, is made with an oxidative winemaking approach. It has a neutral nose, one where I would have liked more Sémillon character to poke through even at this early stage. The palate shows much more potential, presenting lovely lemon curd, toffee apple and white chocolate notes. The acidity is nicely judged, although that toffee note makes me wonder exactly how this will age. A second bottle showed less conspicuous toffee-ish notes and was much more in line with how I expect the wine to show. My score is based on this bottle. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 99 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$359.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (99)Boekenhoutskloof has always made impressive, age-worthy Semillons, but Gottfried Mocke has taken the 2020 to another level of complexity. Using grapes from three old parcels, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, with the largest component from the legendary La Colline vineyard, this includes 2% Muscat d'Alexandrie and some field blended Semillon Gris. Fermented in two thirds new wood, with the rest seeing concrete eggs and amphoras, it's one of the greatest ever Cape whites. Stony, flinty and layered, with wax, lemongrass and nutmeg flavours and subtle struck match reduction. Wow! |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$322.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)Boekenhoutskloof's world-class Semillon uses grapes from three distinct blocks in Franschhoek, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, combining these with 3% Muscat d'Alexandrie. Showing more acidity and restraint than the stunning 2020, and less of the struck match character, it has notes of lemongrass, custard and beeswax and a core of chiselled acidity. Needs more time. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 18.5+ (MJ) |
In Bond
SG$354.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (18.5+)Plush and packed with cassis, this is a tremendously flashy wine with deep wells of liqueur-like fruit coupled with strident oak and a lovely bright, dry finish. Yearning to be set free, BCSS is like a prize-fighter itching for the bell so it can launch itself at its opponent. This is an amazing Cabernet and while it has the stuffing to go deep into the later rounds, I love its toned flanks and glistening musculature right now. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 2 | 97 (PG) |
In Bond
SG$386.00 |
|||||
Platter's South African Wine Guide (97)(Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year) Power & precision combine in stellar 2019. Ripe black cherry fruit with lifted perfume notes (dab of cab franc, as Franschhoek sibling), fine integrated tannins & fresh, lithe appeal. 75% new French oak adds to muscular richness completing a very fine wine. 5 parcels in Helderberg, Polkadraai & Faure. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 3 | 18.5 (MJ) |
In Bond
SG$636.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (18.5)Overall a little larger and more imposing than the Franschhoek cuvée, this Helderberg-sourced Cabernet is a glossy, succulent, more expressive wine than its stablemate, and it is also more forward and approachable. Built with unerring precision, the amazing brightness of fruit and 60% new oak embellishment have resulted in a Super-Tuscan-shaped wine with obvious allure and a more approachable temperament. Having said this, it has more than enough stuffing to last a decade with ease and in terms of value for money this is a small price to pay for a wine of this integrity. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 18.5 (MJ) |
In Bond
SG$336.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (18.5)Overall a little larger and more imposing than the Franschhoek cuvée, this Helderberg-sourced Cabernet is a glossy, succulent, more expressive wine than its stablemate, and it is also more forward and approachable. Built with unerring precision, the amazing brightness of fruit and 60% new oak embellishment have resulted in a Super-Tuscan-shaped wine with obvious allure and a more approachable temperament. Having said this, it has more than enough stuffing to last a decade with ease and in terms of value for money this is a small price to pay for a wine of this integrity. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 18 | 95 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$322.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (95)Gottfried Mocke sources this Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon from two growers - one on the Helderberg, the other in Stellenbosch Kloof - to produce what is always the denser than its companion Franschhoek bottling. Inky and grippy, with top notes of menthol, mocha and dried herbs, lots of energy and vibrancy and a core of plum, blueberry and cassis. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
SG$153.00 |
|||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 91 (VN) |
In Bond
SG$486.00 |
|||||
Vinous (91)(14.8% alcohol; 20% from Swartland and the rest from Wellington; fermented with wild yeasts and aged for 26 months in old barriques; entirely destemmed): Bright ruby-red. Deep aromas of blueberry, violet, chocolate, licorice pastille and black pepper. A pure, vinous midweight, with a very smooth texture and a sweet oak component that contributes to its appeal. Finishes with serious building, tongue-coating tannins. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 19+ (MJ) |
In Bond
SG$272.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (19+)I have never forgotten the 2000 vintage of this wine, which I wrote up in one of my books many moons ago. In the blink of an eye, the perfume on this 2018 vintage took me back to that great wine and while this label has been known to wander off into the forest in certain vintages, it is back with a brooding bang and loaded with Hermitage-like malevolence in 2018. With a melange of both red and black fruit tones and considerable aromatic lift on the nose, this is a Syrah with its feet firmly planted in the earth while its head is in the clouds such is the scale and majesty of its posture. Like the other reds in this vintage, the oak integration is near perfect and this allows the fruit to sing. If there is one wine to drink before the other reds, then this is it, and while it might be a criminal offence to drink this wine so young, I am sure you will break the law for a flavour as enthralling and all-encompassing as this one. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$289.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (97)The wine that launched the modern Syrah revolution in South Africa, even if it's sourced from two sites in the Swartland these days, rather than Somerset West. Almost indecently perfumed and alluring, this is a very immediate wine that will also reward cellaring. Sweet spices, red berry fruit, fine, savoury tannins and just a hint of oak with energetic acidity. 2023-31 |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 3 | 19+ (MJ) |
In Bond
SG$636.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (19+)With 90% of the fruit coming from Porseleinberg and 10% from Goldmine, both in Swartland, this is a wondrous wine with more detail and finesse than any preceding vintage. Utilising only large foudre, the spice and fruit aromatics are as pure and evocative as I have encountered in a Cape Syrah. While the flavour palette is more deep purple than black-fruited, there is no obvious oak intervention and this allows the fruit to soar. Sanguineous and sappy on the finish, this is a glorious red wine with elemental animal notes interwoven with silky ribbons of beautifully ripe blackcurrant, mulberry and plum flavours. With the same texture and volume of fruit as a Vosne-Romanée, this is a regal creation that distances itself from the meat and muscle often found in sun-loving Syrahs! |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 19+ (MJ) |
In Bond
SG$286.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (19+)With 90% of the fruit coming from Porseleinberg and 10% from Goldmine, both in Swartland, this is a wondrous wine with more detail and finesse than any preceding vintage. Utilising only large foudre, the spice and fruit aromatics are as pure and evocative as I have encountered in a Cape Syrah. While the flavour palette is more deep purple than black-fruited, there is no obvious oak intervention and this allows the fruit to soar. Sanguineous and sappy on the finish, this is a glorious red wine with elemental animal notes interwoven with silky ribbons of beautifully ripe blackcurrant, mulberry and plum flavours. With the same texture and volume of fruit as a Vosne-Romanée, this is a regal creation that distances itself from the meat and muscle often found in sun-loving Syrahs! |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 6 | 97 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$322.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (97)Given that 90% of its raw material comes from Porseleinberg - the other 10% comes from Boekenhoutskloof's Roundstone property - it's no surprise that this is such an impressive Syrah. Fermented with 65% whole bunches, it combines fynbos, lavender and Asian spice aromas with a palate of white pepper, barbecued meat, oregano and blackberry framed by sappy, granular tannins. World class. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$621.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (98)I’m making this for Syrah fanatics”, says Reenen Borman. Lucky them is all I can say, because this is another stunning release from a brilliant young winemaker. Intense, granitic and spicy, with lovely lavender and garrigue aromas, layers of dark, inky fruit, stylish oak and amazing length. What more do you want from a Syrah? 2020-30 |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
SG$663.00 |
|||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
SG$116.00 |
|||||
Vinous (94)The 2018 Epilogue Syrah, which is 30% whole bunch fermented and matured for 13 months in 20% new 400-litre oak barrels, has an outstanding, very well defined bouquet with pure black cherries, boysenberry, iodine and violet aromas that are very expressive. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a little gamey in style, touches of fennel and white pepper, leading to a caressing, velvety finish very classy. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
SG$575.00 |
|||||
The benchmark cuvée from the exceptionally talented Reenen Borman, at the helm of this mythical estate since 2010 - this wine is spoken about in hushed tones amongst experts, critics.
More Info
50% whole-bunch fermentation has given the wine monolithic structure, without a single brick out of place. 25% of the wine was raised in 400 litre oak barrels, imparting gentle seasoning and further fine tannins, whilst the remaining 75% was raised in concrete eggs, preserving the fruit's sensational freshness and impossible purity. Naturally, this wine is infantile due to its quality and structure, but already it displays a mesmeric mélange of violets, dried flowers, herbs and spices on the nose. Positively quivering with energy at this stage, the wine’s acidity shoots like Artemis’ arrow across the palate, losing no momentum through the endless finish. It is hard to overstate the juddering quality of Epilogue – Tim Atkin MW said of the 2017 that it was “now established as one of the Cape’s great Syrahs”... It is now one of the world’s greatest wines. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
SG$164.00 |
|||||
|
Cape South Coast | 4 | 97 (IWSC) |
In Bond
SG$310.00 |
|||||
IWSC (97)Very classy wine with nicely judged oak that adds vanilla spice to the tropical fruit and toffee apple flavours. Perfectly poised with crisp acidity and an elegant, long finish. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 5 | - |
In Bond
SG$578.00 |
|||||
Characterised by undying refinement and complexity, the Cape Winemakers Guild De Trafford Reserve Chenin Blanc 2018 is a sterling exhibit of South African artistry. Landed from the sun-drenched vineyards of Stellenbosch, this wine is a creation of acclaimed winemaker David De Trafford. Reserved for the best harvests, the grapes undergo careful selection, ageing on lees for eleven months, imparting this wine with an optimised body and structure. Each sip unveils a symphony of ripe peach, delicate pineapple, piquant ginger and nuanced nutty undertones, making this full-bodied wine an ambassador of elegance. The Cape Winemakers Guild De Trafford Reserve Chenin Blanc 2018 is an exemplary blend of terroir-driven minerality and vivacious acidity, garnering well-deserved recognition globally. A must-have for collectors and connoisseurs alike, this Chenin Blanc is an embodiment of South Africa's passionate winemaking tradition. Don't miss the chance to savour this rare geolocation's quintessential expression. |